DOT Required Observed Collections

DOT Requires you to Notify the Driver for an Immediate Observed Collection when Notified.

Drug Test Instructions (Observed)

Members are Required to Order Drug Tests Online (QPassports) in your Express Labs Account or use the Paper Quest Forms provided by Express Labs if you can not Order Online.  After Enrolling, Express Labs does not accept Drug Test Results from other Companies.

1. Login to your Express Labs Account.
2. Click Order Drug Tests in the Top Left Tabs
3. Select the Reason for Testing (Return-to-Duty or Follow-Up)
4. Choose a Collection Site by entering the ZIP Code
5. Click Complete Order

• QPassports are Emailed from Quest within 1 Hour (noreply@questdiagnostics.com)
• Call the Collection Site to:
  • Confirm They Are Open
  • Confirm a Same-Gender Collector Is Available for Observed Collections
• Drivers must bring the QPassport (printed or on phone) to the Site Selected for the Collector to Scan the QPassport Barcode
• Drug Test Results are Emailed from Express Labs MRO (Medical Review Officer) and uploaded into your Express Labs Account
• Note: Collection Sites may not begin a DOT Collection within 3 hours of closing (Drivers are allowed up to 3 hours to provide a urine sample)

What does "Get Tested Immediately" mean?

• Get Tested Immediately means once a Driver is Notified for Observed Drug Testing All Actions must lead Directly to the Collection Site to get Tested
• Notified means a Driver Knows they were Selected for Observed Drug Testing
• Refusal-to-Test means Drivers who do not Get Tested Immediately after being Notified for Observed Drug Testing is considered a Refusal-to-Test, which is the same as a Positive Result
• Refusal-to-Test Instructions - Click Here

Abnormal pH

• Urine pH in a DOT Drug Test should be 4.5–8. Levels outside this Range may show Tampering, Dilution, or Substitution and require Retesting under Direct Observation.

Immunoassay Interference

• Interference with Creatinine Levels from Medications, Metabolites, or Abnormal Values may cause False Positives or Negatives, leading to Retesting under Direct Observation.

Invalid Creatinine

• Creatinine confirms if a Urine Sample is Genuine. Very Low or Abnormal Levels may indicate Dilution or Substitution, requiring Retesting under Direct Observation.

Bottle A & Bottle B – Different Appearance

• DOT Tests split Urine into Bottle A (Primary) and Bottle B (Split). If the Bottles look different, it may signal Tampering or Contamination and require Retesting under Direct Observation.

Temperature-Out-of-Range

• Urine must be 90°F–100°F at Collection. Readings outside this Range suggest Tampering or Substitution. Drivers must give a Second Sample under Direct Observation or face a Refusal-to-Test.

Specific Gravity

• Specific Gravity checks Urine Concentration. Out-of-Range results may indicate Dilution or Adulteration and require Retesting under Direct Observation.

What Is an Observed Collection?

• A Same-Gender Collector accompanies the Driver into the Restroom and must watch the urine stream go directly into the Container.  The Driver raises their Shirt above the Navel and lowers Clothing to Mid-Thigh.  The Collector signs Documentation confirming the Process followed DOT Guidelines.

What If an Employer Fails to Notify a Driver for a DOT-Required Observed Collection?

• If a Laboratory Reports an Invalid Result, the MRO cancels the Test and orders an Immediate Observed Re-Collection.  The Employer must Notify the Driver Promptly.  Failure to do so Violates DOT Testing Protocol.